1. The fans are at the end of their tether

He was not at the Stadium of Light to hear it, but there were plenty of stony faces in the directors’ box and you can be sure he will have been made aware of the chants of ‘are you watching Ellis Short?’ that broke out following the third goal.

Sunderland have struggled against relegation for the last three seasons, and a revolving cast of players and managers have taken the rap.

Now, the fans are looking at the man at the top – and more importantly, waiting for his response.

That response must involve the signing of quality players, and several of them. And it must happen before the transfer window closes.

2. Patrick van Aanholt needs a break – for his own good

Nathan Redmond of Norwich City and Patrick van Aanholt of Sunderland compete for the ball (Image: 2015 Getty Images)

Sunderland’s defence was appalling at Leicester on the opening day, and only marginally better against Norwich.

But in both games, van Aanholt has been far and away the worst offender.

The left-back made bad mistakes at the King Power Stadium and threw in the towel in the second half, and then he was at fault for all three goals against the Canaries.

Yet he completed the full 90 minutes in both those games.

Van Aanholt appears to be suffering from a crisis of confidence and needs to be taken out of the firing line.

Dick Advocaat could move Billy Jones to left-back and bring Adam Matthews in on the right.